Old "33"

It's Disneyland’s worst kept secret...

A pay-to-play club, right in the heart of New Orleans Square called "Club 33" opened in 1967 as an exclusive location in which Walt Disney could entertain corporate sponsors, investors, and society’s elite.  Club 33 is now Disneyland’s "bucket list" attraction.  If you can get in, it's something to behold...

The entrance foyer to Club 33, 2006...the birdcage elevator is directly to the right...this entrance no longer exists and has been relocated.

There are many legends and rumors about Walt Disney’s elite hideaway.  Some profess to connect the club to Freemasonry, referencing the “33” as an allusion to the 33rd degree.  There is some evidence for Masonic symbolism worked into the Club’s décor, but the reality is a bit more mundane.  Club 33 needed an “address” for the liquor license…hence, 33 Rue Royale Street…Club 33’s official location.  Disney planned, designed, and put in motion this exclusive paradise, but never got to see it...he passed away 6 months before the Club was set to open.  Everything was ready, but the man of the hour was not there…

Much of Walt’s design did come to fruition when completed and opened in 1967.  Stuffed animal trophies, including a turkey vulture that talked to you personally (via a hidden microphone in the chandelier) capturing your conversation in a very personal way, similar to “ole’ Joe” at Knott’s Berry Farm) but due to privacy concerns, Club 33 never used it.  The vintage birdcage elevator, works of art (many of which were original Disneyland concept paintings) and the general feel of opulence created a one-of-a-kind Southern California destination.

In 2014, the Club was renovated and changed.  The famous entrance was moved, ADA compliance was imposed, the trophy room…with the talking trophies...demolished, and membership opened to a large cross-section of the public who could pony-up the new fees and charges…in short…Club 33 is not all that exclusive anymore…

I was able to go when it really was the cool experience…free admission to the park, a Lunch that included a seafood appetizer buffet, a Chateaubriand for the main course and a dessert bar that was…incredible.  That was in 2006, and the photos captured an experience that would never be the same.  I’ve been a handful of times since, but the first time, well, that was the best.  I’m glad I got to see the old Club 33, I’m sure the newly renovated version is very nice, I haven’t seen it and probably never will…but the memories I made in my time show what once was...